Auburn Tigers offensive coordinator is headed back to the SEC with a new opportunity, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Thamel reported, “Mississippi State is finalizing a deal to make longtime coach Philip Montgomery the new wide receivers coach and associate head coach for offense. He brings extensive experience with MSU HC Jeff Lebby from their time at Baylor.”
Montgomery’s move to Mississippi State Bulldogs marks his third position in as many years since parting ways with Auburn Tigers in 2023. After his time in Lee County, Alabama came to a disappointing end, he quickly returned to coaching and captured a 2024 UFL Championship with the Birmingham Stallions.
The following year, Montgomery joined the Virginia Tech Hokies as offensive coordinator. By mid-September, his responsibilities expanded to include “interim head coach” after Brent Pry was dismissed on September 14. Virginia Tech finished 3-6 during his time in charge.
Now in Starkville, Montgomery has an opportunity to restore his standing after an inconsistent run at Virginia Tech. As wide receivers coach and associate head coach for offense under Jeff Lebby, he steps into a prominent supporting role with the Bulldogs.
Philip Montgomery Among Casualties of Hugh Freeze Era
Montgomery’s Auburn tenure unfolded during the two-and-a-half-year run of head coach Hugh Freeze, a stretch that proved turbulent for several assistants. Montgomery never fully settled into his role within Freeze’s system.
As Brian Stultz wrote for Rivals in August 2024, “(Freeze being on the same page as his OC) wasn’t the case last season when Freeze brought in Philip Montgomery and, for the first time in his career, handed the keys to someone else on offense. Montgomery has had successful offenses in the past, but he and Freeze never seemed to get on the same page regarding terminology and philosophy. Auburn’s offense suffered partly due to that, with quarterback play being erratic while the struggles at wide receiver continued.”
Freeze’s approach to play-calling further complicated matters. He divided responsibilities by down while still retaining authority to override assistants Derrick Nix and Kent Austin, creating uncertainty about whether any arrangement would have truly succeeded under his leadership.
Montgomery now receives his first fresh SEC opportunity since departing Auburn. Mississippi State becomes his sixth FBS stop after earlier coaching experience at multiple Texas high school levels, offering him another chance to demonstrate his value in the conference.